Belfast Times Inbox: 17 Jan 2024

January 17, 2024

Headline

Strike action 18 January

Frontline workers across public services, strike for cost of living pay increase

More than eight thousand members of Unite the union will participate in tomorrow’s (18 January) historic one-day coordinated strike action.
On the eve of the walkout Unite issued a warning to secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris demanding the release the funds he has withheld from public services, including provision for a cost of living pay increase for public sector workers, or face further escalation in the dispute.
The impact of tomorrow’s strike action, the largest in Northern Ireland in generations, will be felt across the economy with all public transport services coming to a standstill, only emergency health service cover being available, and all schools closing.

Tourism Ireland launches 2024 marketing plan

Tourism Ireland’s ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign will be expanded and will focus on passion points (e.g., built heritage, soft adventure, views and landscapes) and on enhanced Wild Atlantic Way content in support of its10th anniversary.
They will encourage regional spread and build seasonal landmark moments. Activity will include a promotion around St Brigid’s Day, a St Patrick’s Day campaign and a significant investment in the organisation’s Home of Halloween campaign.
They will work with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI on the roll-out of an umbrella certification scheme to promote sustainable travel

Jet2 win 4 awards

Jet2holidays was awarded the Best Short-Haul Operator, Best Short-Haul Airline, Best Trade Sales Team and Best Trade-Friendly Brand at an awards ceremony held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.

GoT Studio Tour

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour has launched a new pricing structure for 2024 with adult prices at £29.50, seniors £24, teens £12.
From 1st February coach transfers from Visit Belfast will operate 7 days a week. Departures at 9:30am, 11:00am and 2:00pm from Visit Belfast

W5 events

W5 Late is set to make a return from 7pm - 11pm on Friday 23rd February at W5. Strictly no kids are allowed, the adults are given the run of the place to release their inner child – because fun has no age limit.
Throughout the month of January, all adult, child and concession tickets are only £7. Valid for visits between 11 January – 28 January 2024. For further information regarding W5’s £7 ticket offer, click here.

Holiday World Show comes to TEC

Whatever your preferred holiday choice or destination, the Holiday World Show, which takes place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre (TEC) in Belfast
From Friday January 19 until Sunday January 21, the show is a perfect starting point to plan a getaway in 2024.
10am to 5pm all 3 days.
Tickets cost £5 for adults. Concessions available.
For more information visit https://holidayworldshowni.com/.

Northern Ireland’s Largest Farm & Plant Machinery Show Returns Next Week

The Fibrus Spring Farm Machinery Show returns to the Eikon Exhibition Centre, next week on Wednesday the 24th & Thursday 25th January with its biggest and most diverse show yet.
The exhibition has grown exponentially and new for 2024 the SFM Show will welcome an all-new outdoor area, with exhibition space completely filled to capacity there are more stands, more brands and more product launches and debuts than ever before. Visit http://www.ajspromotions.com

New Belfast City Youth Council formed to represent young people in the city

Twenty-five young people have taken their seats on the Belfast City Youth Council (BCYC), where they will represent the views of their peers on issues impacting on the city's young people.
All BCYC members are aged between 13 and 18, or up to 21 if they have a disability, have just left care or have been referred through social services.
The Belfast City Youth Council will work with key decision-makers to help shape the city and better the lives of young people by meeting to discuss issues, running projects and organising and participating in events.
Visit https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/youthcouncil

Belfast Sports Awards 2024 now open for nominations

With 16 awards across seven categories, the awards also seek to recognise the unsung heroes of sport – the coaches and volunteers without whose commitment, the athletes and clubs could not continue in the way that they do.
Awards ceremony on 22 March 2024 at Belfast City Hall.
For more information on the Belfast Sports Awards 2024 and to make a nomination, visit https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/sportsawards

National Trust secures major funding to restore natural habitat and improve access for communities at Divis and the Black Mountain

This exciting new project aims to ensure that local communities can easily access the health and wellbeing benefits of the nature, beauty, and history on their doorstep. It has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund (£3million), Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) (£1.5million) and the Garfield Weston Foundation (£300,000).
Over a three-year period, the project aims to increase opportunities for communities to engage with heritage, nature and place through volunteering, development of new spaces for community use, and increasing accessibility. The plan includes new trails, restoring hedgerows and tree planting, introduction of renewable and sustainable technologies for the buildings.

The Belfast Festival of Learning takes place from Monday 22 - Saturday 27 April.

It aims to engage and inspire people of all ages, in a wide range of settings across the city, with a variety of learning opportunities.
Funding up to £500 is available to assist community or volunteer groups to deliver an event during the week.
This year, Belfast City Council are particularly keen to feature learning events with a focus on 'Our Planet' & how we can combat climate change.
Apply by 29 Jan by emailing communityplanning@belfastcity.gov.uk

HUB-IN funding brings innovative visitor experiences to Belfast’s Maritime Mile

£120,000 of funding has been awarded to six proposals from Belfast’s creative and digital businesses, artists and innovators to develop innovative visitor experiences to animate and enrich the city’s Maritime Mile.
They will collaborate with heritage organisations and communities along the Maritime Mile to develop prototypes which use technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, to encourage more visitors and local people to explore the historic area which connects attractions, sculptures and viewing points on both sides of the River Lagan.
Visit http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/XRbelfast for updates.

Visit Belfast is currently recruiting the following roles. Be at the forefront of the tourism industry in Belfast with these exciting roles.

Let your career take off at the Belfast International Airport Jobs Fair on:

Saturday 20th January 2024 11am - 3pm
The Gasworks Hotel, Belfast (formerly Radisson Blu Hotel)
Discover a range of full time , part time and seasonal roles available across the site including ground handling, security, retail, driving and catering.